NHL salaries are rising with the cap, and the new reality isn’t as crazy as it seems. Kaprizov’s $17M AAV anchors Minnesota’s long-term plan as cap growth to about $113M in two years opens space for big-money extensions. The market now prizes proven scorers and blue-liners who can be fit into the payroll, even if a few young players land $9M deals. The chatter centers on whether we’ll see “superteams” emerge as a real strategy with the cap expanding, while teams guard against overpaying rookies who may not yet justify top-tier money.

Fantasy leagues should note that rising ceilings make mid-tier stars more valuable and give teams latitude to lock in depth. The next wave of contracts will test the balance between elite top-lines and supporting casts, with price tags reshuffling player value across positions in the process.

Luke Hughes signed with the New Jersey Devils for a long-term deal after a tug-of-war over term and $9 million AAV, signaling the Devils’ commitment to their core as they chase a pivotal season.

Meanwhile, Lukas Reichel remains a hot rumor as Chicago weighs options for him, with late-round offers reported from Montreal, Vegas and Carolina while the Hawks assess the best long-term path. There’s also talk of Jacob Markström in Devils chatter, underscoring the league’s ongoing battle to pair young talent with veteran stability ahead of the season.

Roslovic turned down Edmonton’s multi-year offer, chasing a bigger deal and a better fit elsewhere. Panarin could become Wild bait in free agency, and Kaprizov’s camp says add-ons will come. Expansion chatter hints Atlanta, Houston, and Arizona markets in the next three years. Ducks’ prospect pool—LaCombe, Mintyukov, Zellweger, Solberg, Hinds—gives Anaheim depth. Luke Hughes and Quinn Hughes floated the idea of someday playing together, a budding dynasty thread.

The piece threads injuries and rumors into roster moves, with a focus on how these moves could shift fantasy value across the NHL landscape and bolster cap and depth conversations for 2025.

Devils face the Flyers in the final 2025-26 preseason game at 12:30 pm ET, with Nico Hischier out and a lineup likely loaded with AHL-bound players. The night doubles as an audition for fringe NHL hopefuls as the team pivots toward the home opener, while Noesen nears a return and Luke Hughes remains sidelined. Expect limited risk and plenty of opportunity for depth players to grab a roster spot, underscored by the Devils’ aim to cap preseason with a win.

Grimace’s cryptic drop of a prediction aside, the storyline centers on who steps up when the spotlight is switched to those fighting for real ice time. Flyers, likewise, will mix rosters for roster-bid chances, making this more about process than result as both clubs prepare for the regular season.